Obituary: Jaime Gilbert, 48, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Jaime Gilbert, 48, of Meriden, passed away unexpectedly, August 30, 2023 at his home.

Jaime was born in Bridgeport on December 12, 1974, a son of Josephine (Sopko) Laub of North Haven and Harry Gilbert of Hamden.

Jaime lived a beautiful life and was adored by an expansive circle of family and friends. In his early years, following in his parents’ footsteps, Jaime started his long career at SNET-SBC-AT&T where he worked for 13 years building a strong work ethic and an amazing group of friends.

When Jaime made friends, he kept them; most of these friendships remain strong to this day. Over the last 10 years, Jaime found a new love for his work at The Hartford, and of course, through his dedication and competitive nature, he was honored for being top of his team several times over. Here too, he earned the respect and friendships of many.

Jaime's family meant the world to him, and he spent his life bringing joy to those in it. He was dedicated to pouring love on those he cared for, including and especially his adored mother Jo.

Jaime was passionate about everything in his life and he committed his life’s energy to sharing those passions with those he loved. His passion for travel and adventure led to multiple Epic Road Trips across the country, always in search of special moments to hold in memory forever.

These adventures often blended with his passion for music, especially the Dave Matthews Band. In his travels around the country, Jaime attended over 225 DMB shows in numerous venues. Jaime’s DMB family were among some of his favorite people to sing, dance, and celebrate the good life with, arms up, hearts wide open.

Jaime loved camping at Happy Days Campground with an ever-changing circle of good friends. He loved to check off life lists: states visited (only four short), baseball stadiums, National Parks, concert venues, etc. He loved the camaraderie and competitive nature of fantasy sports. He loved all animals, especially his pets and those of his family and friends. He loved and was a devoted New York Yankees fan. He loved to compete, whether it was at the yearly Bowlathon or at a weeknight gathering to play Golden Tee.

All of this, and so much more, filled Jaime’s heart with the adventures, fun, and connections he sought.

Jaime was sweet, loyal, generous, and lived to leave a lasting impression of light, love, and kindness. And he was funny. So incredibly funny!

In addition to his mother and father, Jaime is survived by his brother, Christopher Gilbert and his wife, Kelly, of Wallingford; his niece, Skye Gilbert; his nephew, Taye Gilbert; his brother Justin Gilbert, of North Carolina; his brother Jordan Gilbert, of Florida; his step father Jan Laub, of Florida; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved dearly.

Jaime's friends were also his family. He is survived by his dearest friends, Renee Pelletier and Rachel Laskowski, of Plainville; Jeff (LJ) and Hope Granata, of Meriden; Roger and Karen Rainville, of Meriden; and Catherine Christian, of South Carolina. Jaime touched the lives of so many that it is impossible to list them all here. You know who you are and how much he loved you.

"You and me and all our friends; Such a happy human race." - DMB

Jaime’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. His funeral service, including shared remembrances from family and friends, will begin at 6 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.